Dog Ringworm Symptoms

What is Ringworm?

• Ringworm is not a worm, despite its name. Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus. This specific fungus is called Dermatophytes. The name means "plants that live on the skin." The fungi feed on the outer layer of skin, hair and nails in humans and domestic animals, because they feed on keratin.
  There are different strains of ringworm but the most common fungus is found on dogs and cats. This strain is called Microsporum canis.

Signs and Symptoms

• In humans, the tell-tale sign is a red circular ring that rises slightly above the skin. In dogs, the most common symptom is a round area without hair. In this area there is a lesion that will grow in size if not treated. The areas can become red, itchy and inflamed. In some cases, the lesions might not be circular in shape but instead spread across the skin. Sometimes these lesions will form small elevated bumps that are filled with pus.
  In some cases, ringworm has been confused with mange. It is important that you have your pet tested to see if he or she is carrying the ringworm spores.
  Like mange, the hair falls out due to breaks in the hair from the fungi. The most common areas of a dog's body to show signs of ringworm are on the face, ears, tails, and paws. Dogs do not get the usual red rings that humans get.

Causes

• Ringworm can be transmitted through direct contact with another animal or person. It is true that humans can contract ringworm from dogs and vice versa.
  When a human or dog is infected, these spores can live for a long time --- even on carpet, bedding, clothing and grooming equipment. It can infect your pet again if he is not properly cleaned. If your dog contracts the fungus, it will take up to 12 days for the lesions to appear, due to the incubation period. Spores are easily killed with bleach and water you suspect that the fungus is in your soil.
  More ringworm cases in dogs and humans occur during the fall and winter months. However, they are most prevalent in warm, muggy climates.

Treatment

• Ringworm can eventually cure itself in dogs. However, it will take two to four months. If ringworm is not cured with medication you risk contracting it as well and possibly passing it on to other humans. Treatment is recommended. It is important because your dog suffers from the itchy, red, inflamed skin caused by the fungus.
  Different shampoos can help cure ringworm in a dog. Your veterinarian can give your dog a lime sulfur dip twice a week. Washing your dog twice a week can also help. The lime sulfur will turn your dog's hair yellow for a short period of time but it will clear up. The dip doesn't smell very pleasant, but it is necessary. Some veterinarians will recommend creams like Lotrimin cream or miconazole cream.
  There is currently no cure for ringworm and there are no vaccines.

Prevention

• Wash your dog's bedding, clothing, blankets, or any other of his items in hot water regularly, and use soap specifically for removing fungi. Wash your dog with an anti-bacterial or anti-fungal soap if he has been exposed to ringworm.
  Be sure to clean your entire house using bleach mixed at 1:10. If you cannot use bleach on certain surfaces, use soap and water. Steam cleaning your carpets and shampooing your furniture can also help to kill spores. Vacuum daily in order to get rid of some spores that could be deeper in your carpet.
  Clean the dog's bed with very hot water and soap. If possible, use bleach to clean dog houses and kennels.
  If you suspect that your dog has ringworm, isolate him from other pets in order to prevent it from spreading. Use bleach and water to sterilize any objects that come into contact with your dog before using them.